Results tagged “Photography Conference” from PPA Today

Ready to take the plunge into Imaging USA? First, stay up to
date with what's happening in the world of photography. Read our top ten
favorite blog posts and use them as conversation starters at the convention!

PERSONAL
BRAND: Headed to Imaging USA next week? Get a head start! Learn how to
market yourself successfully for when you're walking around at the Expo. The
first step is to plan, plan, and plan again!

LAYOFFS:
For a magazine so heavily reliant on its high-quality images, we were
surprised to learn that Sports Illustrated laid off their entire staff of six
photographers. A cut of photographers of this scale hasn't happened since The
Chicago Sun-Times cut their 28-staffed photographers in 2013. Is history
repeating itself?

DESTINATION
PHOTOGRAPHER: PPA photographer Joshua Kane gets paid to travel the world
and photograph destination weddings. Although Joshua is living the dream, it's
not always a vacation. Read about the challenges and benefits of a destination
photography business.

TRAVEL
PHOTOGRAPHY: India has always been rich in imagery, but not so involved in
the art of photography. After their first photography festival four years ago
in New Deli, India has become more present in the photography scene. Check out
breath-taking images showcasing the exotic Indian lifestyle.

DUH!
(THANKFULLY): According to the National Press Photographers Association
(NPPA), people can distinguish a professional from an amateur photographer. The
researcher who conducted this study used special equipment to record the
subject's eye movements when exposed to photographs. Check out other conclusions
they drew from this experiment.

ARCHIVES:
Hoping to raise funds, the publisher of Ebony magazine is selling their entire
photo archive. This collection dates back to 1945 including historic and
award-winning photography. Find out more about this collection.

EDITING:
As a street photographer, you can shoot anytime, anywhere! Where the structured
schedule is lacking, the photographer picks up the slack when it comes to
editing. Why would one have to heavily edit street photography? Read more to
find out!

PUBLISHING: Do you walk through book stores scrutinizing book cover photography? Maybe you could do it better? Join a stock agency to get your work out in the world! Read more to find out what it takes to sign with a stock agency.

CONVENTIONS: Learn how to prep for conventions like Imaging USA. Which preconvention events pique your interest? Read this "must see" list of events for Imaging USA. Get ready, the fun starts next week!

GRIEF PHOTOGRAPHY: After diagnosed with a severe heart condition before birth, the parents of this child turned to a non-profit organization "Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep". The experience for both the parents and photographer was an emotional one. However, the portraits helped the parents cope and aided the healing process.

PHOTOGRAPHY FEES: In Fairfax County Park, authorities enforced a $100 fee for commercial photography back in 2011. Why? The park was overrun with publicity due to weddings and other commercial photography. Will they finally reconsider?

PETITION: Are you using a left-handed camera made for a right-handed photographer? Well, you just might be in luck! Sign the petition on Change.org petition to request that Canon designs a left-handed camera.

COMPOSITION: If you're off to a coast anytime soon, these quick tips from Digital Photography School will help you make the most of any seascape photographs. Learn the rules, and learn when to break them here!

DECISION TIME: In business (and in life) we all get caught up in the process of making decisions. Imaging USA speaker Jeffrey Shaw is back on his podcast with Brian Whetten and they are here to guide you through the process of finding big wins in your decision process. Your weekend can always use a little more inspiration!

A third generation photographer, Luke Edmonson has the craft in his blood! He's been a

professional photographer for nearly 20 years, starting out in commercial photography and then teaming up with his father in 2003 to create Edmonson Weddings. We chatted with Luke about defining style, his career as a photographer, what inspires him and more. Here's the recap of the interview:

1. What would you say is the biggest difficulty people usually face in defining their style?

The biggest difficulty in finding a style is finding your own voice and doing the work to discover who you are and what you want to say. It's not simply a matter of the type of photography you like or admire. It's not simply your ability to execute what you want when creating your imagery. You have to know the "Why" behind what you are communicating.

It's about understanding and knowingly pursue what is behind your vision when you are capturing a moment, your subjects, how you light, direct or pose them. So, an artistic style, at its very core, requires introspection. Something that as individuals many of us do not want to do. It requires you to become still...to be quiet...to reflect with intent.

I like this quote from Katherine Anne Porter, Pulitzer Prize winning author, who says succinctly "You do not create a style. You work, and develop yourself, and your style is an examination from your own being."

Let's examine that for a minute...

a. You don't create a style? Then what is all this talk about "finding your style" or "creating your style" that you hear bantered about? Perhaps it's just marketing speak to make it more palpable to the audience who is listening. Who wants to hear about work when the world sells us on the premise of "easy, fast and simple"? But don't for a second betray yourself to think that discovering something is easy. Especially when it involves learning about yourself. What is it that you bring to each photo shoot that shapes the direction of the imagery you capture?

b. You work and develop yourself? Yep, it's a never-ending process of growth periods, plateaus, and sometimes darker times. When things get stagnant, it's up to you to make the changes necessary to break through. When you are on top of the world it's about fighting complacency. None of us ever have it all truly figured out. However, with growth and development, some challenges as a photographer that may have taken hours to solve visually can be solved in mere minutes, once you've had that proverbial light-bulb moment.

c. Your style is an examination from your own being? Like most of us, you probably became a photographer when you fell in love with it. Perhaps, it was because of its immediacy. Perhaps it was because of how it made your feel when people complimented your early eye. But now that you have been in it for longer, what keeps you in the field? What drives you to create? When you look back on your work, what patterns and tendencies do you see? How have you transitioned from WHAT you see when you shoot but HOW you see, think and feel when you shoot? Have you had to persevere and overcome challenges in your photography? Your fingerprint is firmly implanted on every image you create. I encourage you to study it and understand it!

If you want to become a better photographer, it starts with becoming a better person. How can you pour out your life into others if there are areas in your own life that are holding you back from doing just that?

Get to know hometown favorite, Russ Harrington before you hit the road to Imaging USA! Russ is an accomplished photographer, specializing in celebrity and musician clientele (we hear Nashville is a pretty awesome spot for that sort of thing).

What made you want to get into photography?

Our family always took pictures, so when I got my first 110 Kodak for Christmas, it was on!

What should people expect to take away from your class?

I'm going to show tons of photos! People will get to see different lighting ideas, how to work a location and what all goes into a celebrity shoot. Things they may not have thought of like renting RV's for the glam teams, working with assistants and what not.

What is your favorite part of a photo shoot?

When the [music] artist gets on set and you do that first test. It all comes together at that point. You finally see how the light looks on your artist and not your assistants, you see the wardrobe you've picked for the setup. If it's a big shoot, we've built sets, pre-lit them and have wondered how the artist will fit in the vibe or world you've created. Sometimes, we might have 10 setups that we're doing that day. No matter what, I still get that cool feeling when I see the first shot pop up on the Mac.

What do you enjoy about shooting with musicians?

I am, in general, a music fan. So getting to know them, photographing them and then being able to see your images represent them is a very special thing. Musicians just have a cool vibe, you want to capture that. You want to capture images that they love and that their fans love. Granted, some would rather be far away from a photo shoot, but they know it's one of those things they have to do. In the music industry, fresh images are a must. The bonus is they are generally more creative than the average client. Artists and celebrities are pros, they move like models and I just love shooting them.

How did you get into the celebrity/musician market?

I photographed models for years so it was a natural progression. Fashion is all about the angles, the lighting, the location and wardrobe, and that's basically celebrity photography. I started showing my model portfolio to Christian Music Labels at first and started to shoot a ton of those. My big break was an editorial shoot with Trisha Yearwood, which I'll go into during my presentation.

What has been your favorite photo shoot of all time?

There's not a "favorite" necessarily, but I've had a lot of cool memories and images that I love every time I see them. I do have to say when Loretta Lynn calls you her photographer, that's pretty dang special. Brian Setzer is one of my favorites for sure, rockabilly singer and master guitar player from the Stray Cats. I could photograph him every day - he's just cool! I also got to do a big gig in LA for Dr. Pepper and Chelsea Handler. It was awesome, but I had butterflies for sure.

What's the biggest mistake you made when you were just starting out?

You have to remember, I started shooting professionally in 1983. I've done some dumb things, but every year I tried to get better and make more money than the previous year. At one point I made a joke about an artist's hair that was pretty amazing and said "If I could afford a toupee like that, I'd be all over it!" Well, what do you know - it was a toupee. Whoops!

What's the best part about being a Nashville photographer?

This is my town! I grew up here, I met my wife here, we raised our boys here, and now to see what's happening with how popular Nashville is getting is crazy. We've put our loft on Airbnb.com and its awesome meeting folks from around the world that want to visit.

Country? Or... country?

I love the twang, I love a steel guitar, I love bluegrass, I love Jack White, I love Keb' Mo'. I just love music.

Join Russ for his class "Music & Celebrity Portraits" on Monday, February 2nd from 10 - 11:30 AM and discover how to manage the workflow when dealing with people in the spotlight.

If you haven't registered for Imaging USA yet, there's still time! Head to ImagingUSA.org/Register today - we can't wait to see you in Nashville!

Sarah Ackerman is known around PPA as #Sarah in part because
she handles all things social media and in order to differentiate herself from
the other Sarah's in the office. Sarah loves improv comedy (think "Whose Line")
and routinely performs around Atlanta. When she's not
tweeting/facebooking/instagramming all of the action at PPA, she can be found
gallivanting around the world or wandering around the woods with her pup, but
more than likely she's on stage making people giggle.

EVENT:
Become more knowledgeable, connected, and confident by attending Imaging
USA. This convention hosted by PPA takes place on Sunday, Feb. 1 - Tuesday, Feb.
3, 2015, in Nashville, Tennessee. Read this article to find out about all the
benefits it has to offer. Come join the fun at Imaging
USA!

BUSINESS:
Relating the life of a photographer to a life of a circus performer, this blog
shares a few concepts of working the circus life that seem all too familiar to
us photographers. There is no publicity value in working for free. North
America has a silly belief system that work should not be enjoyable, therefore
we should only be paid if there isn't enjoyment. But, don't sell your skills
for free just yet! Value your work and yourself as a professional.

TUTORIAL:
Interested in expanding your portfolio with creative pieces? Try a multiple
exposure piece! From abstract to artistic portraits, regardless of the medium,
this tutorial covers it all when it comes to multiple exposures. Have fun
experimenting!

PARADIGM
SHIFT: Going from taking photos to making art can be a huge step. A common
struggle among learning photographers can be focusing on a shallow depth of
field. As soon as you start to learn that photography is a story telling device
is when you start "making" photos instead of "taking" them.

ARTISTS
vs. PROFESSIONALS: As a photographer, do you consider yourself an artist?
This blog distinguishes creative individuals as craftsmen, artists,
professionals and finally entrepreneurs. Furthermore, this blog explains that
true artistic geniuses such as Beethoven no longer exist. Instead of artists,
we've become professionals.

HISTORY:
They say a picture is worth a thousand words. The featured photograph dates
back to 1956 in an Atlanta airport. Relations of race and gender are assumed
through this intimate photograph. Although, the details of this photo still
remain a mystery today.

COPYRIGHT
PROTECTION: After signing a release, participating in the shoot and getting
paid, a model decides to sue the photographer for the photos getting stolen.
The model signed a release allowing her photos to be used as stock, but they
got stolen off her personal Facebook page after posting them herself. You won't
believe where the images wound up!

AERIAL,
BY NIGHT: "Gotham From Above" was shot from a helicopter 7,500 feet above
the ground of New York. Capturing aerial photographs can be quite a challenge;
helicopters vibrate, so the photographer had to use a relatively high shutter
speed. This project showcases the scale of New York City.

-50C
AURORA BOREALIS: Into the
Siberian wilderness, a Russian photographer ventured to capture images of the
Northern Lights. Because of temperatures (as low as -50C), the photographer
designed a coat to protect his camera. We applaud this photographer for braving
such harsh conditions for the sake of art. Take a look at the results!

COMMERCIAL
VS. FINE ART: Check out this high art marketing campaign. An acrobat dances
in a cloud of powdered milk to create the most stunning photography designed to
sell creamer. Did this approach make you crave creamer?

Enjoy this week's blog posts? Check back next
week for more excitement! If you have a blog you want us to check out, let us
know on theLoop!

Thom Rouse began his career in 1994. He now splits his time as a
portrait and commercial photographer. With two diverse sides to his career,
Thom has mastered the art of photography. In the following interview, he tells
us about himself as an artist.

What is your definition of "fine art"?

I wouldn't dare try to define art! My
thought is that if you have a personal experience with literature, music, a
painting or a photograph, then it must be art. We don't really need to define
it, agree on it, or consult a critic to decide what it means. If we have an
experience with it, positive or negative, I think it must be art.

Who are some of the artists who inspire you?

There are many artists who inspire me
and the list changes daily. Among those near the top of my list are Salvador
Dali, Gustave Klimt and Tintoretto. Among photographers, I'd include Steichen,
Julia Margaret Cameron, Gordon Parks and Irving Penn. As soon as I start a list,
I can think of 30 more I should have added.

Why do you teach classes for other
photographers?

It
sounds trite, but I like to teach because I learn so much from it. It pushes me
to think and evaluate the things I think I know about my process and my craft.
While teaching, I often have some self-revelation about my own image making and
I always learn from other photographers, usually from the newest newbie in the
room.

You've had over 50 images go Loan - what do
you enjoy most about photographic competitions?

My
reasons for entering competition have changed over time. When I started, I was
solely trying to make the judges happy and earn merits towards a degree. Once I
earned my degrees, I tried to make and enter images that I liked the most and were
unique to me. At that point, I stopped looking for what I thought would achieve
the highest scores. If we're not learning from competition, I see no reason to
compete. We all need to present our work and receive feedback; it's a part of our
ongoing creative process. No matter where we are in our careers, photographic competitions
guarantee to make us better image makers. The more we enter competition, the
more we have to work at stretching ourselves. It pushes us to take chances and
do work that advances our vision; not just entering images that will earn more
merits.

What makes photography such a versatile medium
of expression?

It's
great to be a photographer: a time when the medium has become more versatile
than ever! I started later in life at 40 years old, but the 20 year span of my
career has encompassed the transition from film to digital capture. As much as
I loved the traditional darkroom, I came alive with digital post production. During
that time it has become an entirely new medium that encompasses painting,
compositing and extensive possibilities for post-capture manipulation. The
technology has created endless opportunities, yet we have to remind ourselves
that we still create images with our eyes, hearts and minds. That's what makes
photography truly versatile.

Do you pursue any other creative endeavors?

Sadly,
I do not. I gave up music 30 plus years ago; although, I'm greatly inspired by
other media. I fantasize projects in other media, but I've never acted on it.

What is your favorite image you've captured?

I
have several favorites because they were influenced by very personal
experiences that captured, expressed and expanded those experiences. I think
the best and most impactful work is done when it's grounded in your personal
experience.

Who should take your class at Imaging USA?

I think that photographers in any genre
and at any experience level will find something of value in my program. I'll be
making the case for spending time on fine art and how fine art will translate into
added success in commercial and portrait work. Creating and displaying fine art
expands your reputation as an artist, and will contribute to both your image
making skills and to your bottom line.

What are the top 3 things people should take
away from your class?

1. Pursuing personal fine art will
keep you fresh, alive and vibrant as an image maker.

2. These days everyone is a
photographer - being recognized as an artist elevates your status and
recognition in the market.

3. Fine Art translates into skills and
styles that let you create work like no one else in your market.

Elvis, Johnny Cash, or Jack White?

This
is trick question that should be answered with "all of the above". I know that
Elvis and Johnny Cash have influenced nearly everyone that's followed, but my
first choice for listening right now would be Jack White!

This
must be a based on Nashville connections; otherwise I'd be voting "none of the
above" and writing in Miles Davis!

Come listen to Thom speak at Imaging USA in
Nashville, TN. He will conduct a course called "The Case for Fine Art" on February 1, 2015. Looking forward to
seeing you there!

Let's get to know one of our speakers who will be atImaging USA in Nashville,
Tennessee. JulieAnne Jonker has
her master of photography and photographic craftsman degrees from PPA and is
also a certified professional photographer (CPP). In the following
interview, she sheds some light on her career as a photographer.

Who's your class for?

Any
photographer, really. It's about inspiration as much as what it takes to get
your photography studio to the next level. I'll help you direct your business
based on your definition of yourself as an artist

The
influences that I continually derive from the fine art world shine through my
work and define my photography style.

What is your favorite medium of expression besides
photography?

Outside
photography, there are two outlets I use to express myself: painting and
sculpting.

What was your proudest photographic moment?

Being
invited and voted into the Camera Craftsmen of America has to be my proudest
moment as a photographer.

What is one marketing mistake many photographers make when they are first
starting out?

Inexperienced
photographers tend to compete on price, and price only, to get their foot in
the door, but that presents them as cheap studios with too many sales and
specials.

What do you want to be known for?

As an
artist I'd like to be known for creating timeless pieces.

Elvis,
Johnny Cash, or Jack White?

Definitely,
Jimi Hendrix.

JulieAnne
has had a long streak of success. Learn from her at Imaging USA in Nashville!
You'll have two opportunities to hear her speak: on the business panel "5 Golden Nuggets" and
in her solo-class called "The Portrait as an
Art Form".

If you
haven't registered for Imaging USA, you can do so now at ImagingUSA.org/Register! We
can't wait to see you in Nashville!

February is approaching quickly, which means it's almost time for Imaging USA 2015 in Nashville! To help you make the most of the conference, the Imaging USA mobile app is now available for free download. This app will allow you to create your own schedule, find and network with other attendees, stay up-to-date on conference updates and specials through social media, participate in the game to win daily prizes and much more!

Make the most of the app when you get to Nashville! Take a minute to watch the quick tutorial videos below. You'll learn how to use the exhibitor, speaker, schedule and mapping features of the app, where you can post to social media and find important information, how to build your own agenda and how the game works (there are prizes for top ranked attendees each day!).

This year at Imaging USA you will find a completely new thing... the Merit Café. There you'll find a series of short seminars, from Sunday to Tuesday, by the International Photographic Exhibit. These sessions are geared to getting you familiar with and better prepared for future photographic competitions ! This These 30-minute short format sessions are restricted to first come, first serve for seating. Get there early and soak up all of the knowledge you can from these amazing International Photographic Competition (IPC) experts! Questions will be more than welcome, so ask away!

Here's what's on tap:

Sunday, February 1

1pm "Using Titles [of your images] to Your Advantage" - Larry Lourcey

1:30pm "The Road to Becoming a [Image Competition]Judge"- Kimberly Smith

2:30pm "The Judging Process: How an Image Becomes a Merit" - Donna Goodhale

3pm "Print Presentation" - Carl Caylor

6:30pm "Becoming a Master Photographer" - Gabriel Alonso

7pm "What the Heck is the Artist Category?" - Doran Wilson

Monday, February 2

1pm "Using Titles to Your Advantage" - Larry Lourcey

1:30pm "The Road to Becoming a Judge" - Kimberly Smith

2:30pm "The Judging Process: How a Print Becomes a Merit" - Donna Goodhale

PPA's District Competitions will be underway shortly after Imaging USA, so use this valuable opportunity to ask all of the questions that are causing road blocks to your future with photographic competitions.

If you haven't registered for Imaging USA, you can do so now at ImagingUSA.org/Register! We can't wait to see you in Nashville!

Sarah Ackerman is known around PPA as #Sarah in part because
she handles all things social media and in order to differentiate herself from
the other Sarah's in the office. Sarah loves improv comedy (think "Whose Line")
and routinely performs around Atlanta. When she's not tweeting/facebooking/instagramming
all of the action at PPA, she can be found gallivanting around the world or
wandering around the woods with her pup, but more than likely she's on stage
making people giggle.

Are you still on the fence on attending Imaging USA? Don't just take our word on why it's so great, listen to why Sharma Ferrugia decided to attend and what she got out of it.

In addition to networking with over 10,000 of fellow photographers, exploring 600+ tradeshow booths and learning from some of the industry's best photographers, you also get to know you're starting 2015 off on the best foot possible! With Imaging USA, you're building your education for your business, inspiring your creativity and networking so you'll have the best support system possible when it comes to any challenges you face throughout the year.

Registration is still open at ImagingUSA.org/Register. Remember, hotels are filling up fast! As a matter of fact, the Gaylord Opryland, the headquarter hotel, is 99% sold out! (This is not a marketing push, this is a fact). So here's a quick list of nearby properties. And as always, head over to theLoop to make new friends before you arrive, find a roommate or just ask any questions that might come up in your planning process!

Sarah Ackerman is known around PPA as #Sarah in part because
she handles all things social media and in order to differentiate herself from
the other Sarah's in the office. Sarah loves improv comedy (think "Whose Line")
and routinely performs around Atlanta. When she's not tweeting/facebooking/instagramming
all of the action at PPA, she can be found gallivanting around the world or
wandering around the woods with her pup, but more than likely she's on stage
making people giggle.

Prem is a wedding and portrait photographer from the great state of Michigan. After getting his degree in mechanical engineering, he spent the first 10 years of his career in corporate America before transitioning into running his studio full time.

Prem puts the business into all sides of his photography studio - and that's clear in his AMA. By creating efficient systems and quick turnaround times, he is able to maximize profits!

Here are a few of our favorite moments with Prem:

On what inspires him before a shoot (as a huge fan of social media, this struck a chord with me):

We primarily use Pinterest for inspiration before a shoot. It's quick and easy to use and seems to consist mostly of high quality professional photos as opposed to doing a Google image search.

On turnaround time:

First, I should put a disclaimer and say that we do not do a super-fast turnaround for all clients. Most clients of ours are local and we do the shoot one day and typically schedule the order session the next day they are available - which is sometimes the day after, sometimes a week after. For the clients that are really busy or for anyone coming from out of town...those are the times we do everything on the same day.

We usually do the shoot from 10am -11am, have them go grab lunch and come back at 1:30pm-2:00pm. By then everything is edited and the ProSelect gallery is made, and I've had time to eat lunch myself.

On creating efficient systems:

For weddings, I cull things down quickly, do minor Lightroom adjustments for color, contrast, exposure to all the keepers, and then Photoshop the best 30 pics and then it's done.

For portraits we usually cull it down to about 40 shots and do full touchups including everything from skin softening to liquefy if needed.

People typically spend more when they are fully edited and look awesome! For the full portrait retouching, I use some various actions that allow me to do full retouching in 1-1.5 minutes per image so it doesn't take all that much time to get the work done.

Sarah Ackerman is known around PPA as #Sarah in part because
she handles all things social media and in order to differentiate herself from
the other Sarah's in the office. Sarah loves improv comedy (think "Whose Line")
and routinely performs around Atlanta. When she's not tweeting/facebooking/instagramming
all of the action at PPA, she can be found gallivanting around the world or
wandering around the woods with her pup, but more than likely she's on stage
making people giggle.

It's understandable to be a little nervous about entering your photos into competition. It's stressful, it puts you in a vulnerable position, and you never know what the results will be. But as we've heard from PPA members before, the International Photographic Competition (IPC) can be a valuable resource in improving your image quality and technique as a photographer. As a participant in the IPC, we recommend having your images critiqued by an IPC juror, as the feedback you will receive can go a long way in your quest towards being the best photographer you can be.

To encourage you to get a critique and hopefully dissuade some of the fears you may have about the process, here's an example of what you can expect! This image is entitled "Twilight Ride" by Mark Bowers, critiqued by Jeff Dachowski. Video here:

It's time to get to know Ana Brandt, Imaging USA 2015 instructor and maternity photographer extraordinaire! Ana has been in the business over 14 years and has never stopped learning. Get to know this pre convention instructor in nine easy questions!

1. When did you start your photography career? What prompted it?

I became a professional photographer in 1999. I had been taking pictures since I was a teen and had no intention of ever becoming a professional. After shooting for well over 10 years as an amateur, I decided once I moved from the East Coast to the West that I would register my business and get to work. I was a web designer by day and a photographer by night. I started shooting child models in California and one day I just quit my Web Job and never looked back.

2. What do you want for people to take away from your class?

I want them to feel the power of the amazing talent and gift that photographers have. I want them to leave motivated and encouraged and understand that the marketing, selling, posing and all that is entailed should just flow from their pores. I want them to leave and not sleep for days because I have given them so many ideas, tips, techniques and marketing methods that will take them months to incorporate. I am bringing in a pregnant model and a brand new baby and I want to show them easy transitional posing for both session types that can work in any location.

3. What is your favorite aspect of photographing newborns?

Watching them fall into such a deep sleep that they just smile in bliss. It is amazing to watch them just curl up and be cozy in a basket. Sometimes I just stare in wonder. They are just days old, and here they are in my space, just sleeping away. It's really amazing.

4. How did you get into the maternity market?

Honestly, I wish I knew. When I was in my 20's I was so awe inspired by seeing gorgeous pregnant woman. I was immediately drawn to this phase in a woman's life. I have shared this story so many times, but I am an adopted child, and I have never seen a photo of my biological mother. I think I was just drawn to what I never saw in my own life way earlier then I even knew why. Now 15 years later, I just never get tired of it. I think pregnant woman are just gorgeous and it's such a short time in development. I knew from early on I would specialize in maternity and newborn and I knew my being adopted was a driving force - and still is. I wish I could explain it in words, but it's really hard to. I feel that every path I took in my life, led me to here. To doing this, even when I had no idea what my journey would be.

5. What is one piece of equipment you can't live without on newborn shoots?

On location - it's my 5-n-1 - I almost always use a diffuser and reflector to block out harsh light on one side, and reflect in soft light on the other. That is a must when I am traveling.

In studio, I need good lights. I would never use flash inside and I love my soft boxes and Einstein's. I used Alien Bees for years, and those are great too.

6. How do you differentiate yourself from other newborn/maternity photographers?

I think I would have to ask my clients that! I don't really pay attention to other newborn/maternity photographers. I try and just focus on things I like and ideas that inspire me and things that drive me. I let my clients know I can provide everything for them for their sessions, such as clothing and styling and location scouting, so that they can just relax and trust the process. I think each photographer has their own style, even if they use the same props - the style is easily defined. I believe that people choose the photographer that is similar to their own style and has a personality that is comforting to them. I do not believe I am the perfect photographer for every client.

One product that sets us apart are our behind the scenes videos. We have been providing video for our clients of behind the scenes in their sessions. Clients have told me they love watching the videos because not only can they see who I am but they can appreciate what is involved in a session. It is a win, win - the client receives a gorgeous video, and we have marketing tools for the next client.

7. Who is your favorite photographer?

I can't pinpoint one person. In my 20's I studied Ansel Adams and Anne Geddes. I bought their books, screensavers and calendars and just stared at their images over and over. I think Ansel defined black and white photography and Anne Geddes showed the world the wonder and beauty of newborns.

8. What defines your photographic style?

For pregnancy I think its movement and angles. I like curves and to stretch woman's bodies in ways they never thought possible. I adore fabric and how it flows, and if I love to work with fans and just create beautiful images. For newborns, I try and create images that are classic and simple while being a tad artsy at times.

9. What do you wish more photographers knew before going into business?

That it is hard, hard work and that you cannot give up. Photography is a business. Like any business, it takes time to learn and grow. You have to commit and just do it. You need to be patient and not worry about others. This is your journey - your path and you need to let it grow and nurture it with every ounce of your being.

Come learn from Ana live at Imaging USA 2015. Her "The Art and Business of Pregnancy and Newborn Photography" pre-convention class will run January 31 for an additional $129 fee to your registration. Get all the details on Imaging USA and register here!

Sarah Ackerman is known around PPA as #Sarah in part because
she handles all things social media and in order to differentiate herself from
the other Sarah's in the office. Sarah loves improv comedy (think "Whose Line")
and routinely performs with Witless Protection around the Atlanta area and at
Dad's Garage Theatre Company. When she's not tweeting/instagramming/facebooking
all of the action at PPA, she can be found gallivanting around the world or
wandering around the woods with her pup, but more than likely she's on stage
making people giggle.

Imaging USA 2015 is only 75 days away! With that in mind, I'd like to encourage you to download today (it's free!) so you can be more prepared for all the good stuff coming your way in Nashville. It's the best way to be connected with all the latest news and updates while you're there!

With the mobile app, you'll be able to:

View and favorite all the details on classes, sessions, speakers, special events and even the exhibitors at the Imaging Expo.

Build your own schedule by simply adding the sessions or events you want to your agenda.

Message and arrange private meetings with other attendees (even if you have all their contact info: the app will connect you!)

Earn points and take your chance at daily prizes by playing with the in-app game.

See what other attendees are saying on Twitter and Facebook (and add to the conversation!)

Give feedback and help make this a better conference by taking the in-app session surveys after each class.

Use the maps to find your way around the convention center and throughout the Imaging Expo.

And more!

If you're attending Imaging USA, this app will be your best friend during the convention. It's available now for iPhone and iPad, Android devices and there's also a web version for those of you that don't own an Apple or Android phone or tablet.

Chris Homer is PPA's SEO & Web Specialist, which basically makes Google Analytics his best friend. A graduate of the University of Georgia, Chris cheers passionately (and obnoxiously) for the Bulldogs in all things from football to checkers. When he's not hard at work on PPA's websites, you'll find Chris at auto racing events around the southeast, where he's known as a master architect of tent villages.

It's time to get to know another Imaging USA instructor taking the stage at Nashville in 2015. In this interview, Steve Kozak, M.Photog.Cr., CPP, talks about why you should sign up for his "The Secrets to Success When Turning Pro" pre-convention class (which he'll be co-hosting with Britney Fullgraf). He also shares why he become a photographer, what he believes his style is, why he enjoys serving on PPA's Board of Directors... and why he prefers Johnny Cash to Elvis.When did you know you wanted to be a photographer?

I was a professional musician in a band when I got my first camera. I loved music, but there are demands that go with being in a band that make things hard to keep up with that lifestyle. The more I learned about photography, the more I realized the similarities between taking photos and making music. When I figured out I could use my camera to tell stories, make people feel and use it as an outlet for my creativity, I left the band, sold my guitar and bought my first 2.8 lens. There was no looking back!What are the top 5 things people will learn from your class?

The first thing we discover is that quality photography begins with the fundamentals--the techniques all photographers should know. Participants will learn how to elevate the quality of their images to a professional level through proper exposure, lighting and posing.

Next, we'll look at gaining control over the portable flash by using it in manual mode and the value of using supplemental lighting with off-camera flash. This is a huge game-changer for photographers trying to improve the quality of their images!

Then, we examine the value that studio lighting brings to the financial success of photographers--and I'll show you how you can use this type of lighting even if you don't have a studio space. I plan to really demystify studio lighting and make it an approachable technique for photographers.

We then look at how to market professional photography and the importance of the message that you place in front of the target market.

Finally, we examine sales strategies and techniques to maximize the sale without feeling like you are pushing too hard. After all, the easier sales become for you, the more money you'll make and the more time you can actually spend behind the camera!Who should take your class?

All photographers who are considering stepping out into professional photography as their full time job, as much as those who "leapt before they looked". It's not too late to learn how to run a photography business properly! It's never too late! I've built this class to answer so many of the questions photographers starting in the business have, and I truly believe it can help you be successful.

Which do you enjoy more: teaching or photographing?

OK, this question is not fair! It's sort of like choosing your favorite child or your favorite Beatles song. The truth is, I love teaching to those who will dare to take information and run with it. Helping others grow and seeing them succeed brings me greater pleasure than just about anything I do.

What makes you and your co-speaker Britney Fullgraf such a great team?

Britney is simply brilliant. She has a sharp mind for business and knows how to make money. We really take two different approaches to what we do, but when it comes to teaching photographers how to find success, our styles complement each other so well that students can take the best of what each of us has to offer.

Describe your photographic style.

I think of my work as "crafted". I do not leave the details of my work to chance and I am very selective about my lighting, posing and technique. I almost always go into a session knowing what I seek to create for the client. I strive to create images that are unique for every client.

Where do you draw your inspiration from?

Life. Music. The heart of the person in front of my camera. Landscapes. Fashion. Movies. Art. The human emotion. The mountains. The beach. Contrasts. The dark side. Beauty. Love. Lost love. Hope. Just to name a few!

Why was it important for you to serve on PPA's Board of Directors?

It is important that all of us answer the call to serve whenever or wherever we are called. Serving on the PPA Board of Directors means that I really am serving the 27,000+ photographers of this association who have dreams, passions, struggles, needs, successes and desires. By giving my time and service to this group, I become a small yet active part of a larger community that provides photographers a light along a path that helps them be more and get where they want to go. The tools and the opportunities that PPA provides for photographers are limited only by the willingness of each photographer to reach out and take hold of them. Who wouldn't want to be a part of something as special as that?

Elvis, Johnny Cash, or Jack White?

What about the Beatles?! OK, focus...Jack has had a hand in the success of a number of projects, but is not as recognized as Elvis or Johnny Cash. Johnny was, and still is, "The Man in Black". How cool is that? But Elvis... he is so cool he only needs one name. This question has me "all shook up", so I think I will "walk the line". I think Elvis had so many people he had to please and so many people trying to own him, so I chose Johnny Cash because I think he did what he wanted to do the way he wanted to do it. Sounds like a true artist to me!

Chris Homer is PPA's SEO & Web Specialist, which basically makes Google Analytics his best friend. A graduate of the University of Georgia, Chris cheers passionately (and obnoxiously) for the Bulldogs in all things from football to checkers. When he's not hard at work on PPA's websites, you'll find Chris at auto racing events around the southeast, where he's known as a master architect of tent villages.

To help you become familiar with the photographers who will be on the Imaging USA stage, we asked them some questions to really dig deep. In this interview, Kareem Black, portrait photographer and philanthropist extraordinaire, talks about inspiration, our changing industry and how to break into the upper echelon of commercial photography. You can check out his program details here but in the meantime, enjoy!

What was the biggest challenge you faced in defining yourself as a photographer?

The biggest challenge I face, just like most artists, is figuring out what exactly I want to say, and how to say it, in a way that is unique to me. This is probably a lifelong exploration. Early on, I was a lot more technical and used a ton of lights, lenses etc., much more so than I use now. I was hiding behind production and lighting rather than letting the image tell the story. I'm not saying that using a ton of lights is bad, but for me, once I simplified my shooting set I started on what to say with/through the image. With that said, I'm happy I did go through that more technical phase because now I'm very confident in my ability to light just about anything.

What do you think the biggest challenge people just starting out in the industry face?

The biggest challenge might be when people are trying to break into the industry and get noticed. There are so many photographers! To be clear, there always have been a lot of photographers, but today there are seemingly less clients because there are more photographers than ever. In commercial photography, the great recession really killed a lot of print media which was the initial stepping stone that lead into bigger advertising and music work. I started out shooting for magazines and then moved onto CD covers. When's the last time anyone bought a CD? What I'm going to say is sort of common knowledge, but I think that it makes a big difference how photographers face there being more competition and less clients. I love competition and I love looking at photography. One of the first things I do every morning is surf Tumblr and Instagram. It inspires me to see what others are doing. I say the more photographers the better, generally speaking. If you love what you do, and thrive off the battle and the battle makes you better at what you do, you'll be fine. Also, show your work to as many people as possible and never ever ever stop making new work!

Define your photography style in four words.

#feelsgoodletsgo

How do you stay ahead of the game in this industry?

I think that constantly creating new work is very important. By new work I mean new bodies of work. Photographers are like sharks--we have to keep moving forward or we die. Evolution is paramount. I start new personal projects, take trips, conduct an experiment, take risks with my photography. That's how I stay ahead. Otherwise, dwelling in my comfort zone for too long will be death.

What are you most excited about at Imaging USA?

I'm excited to meet and talk shop with photographers of all ages and from all over the world. New York and L.A. can become very incestuous. Everyone knows everyone, there are accepted ways of doing things and how things should look. But I want to experience other points of view and share my own insights.

What inspires you?

I want to be inspired by as much as possible. I'm a photographer, so obviously I am inspired by photography past and present, but also art in general. I want to know what people were thinking when they did certain things, these questions go beyond art. I'm also genuinely interested in the human condition and like to ask myself what I would have done in certain situations, which provides me with great insights. All of that inspires me! As a photographer I am an explorer and I find inspiration in all of my explorations.

What is one marketing mistake most new photographers make?

Offering a special or a promotion is often a tight-rope walk. You don't want to be bothersome and call/email/mail people too often, but on the other hand, I don't want to do it so rarely that I am forgotten. There must be a happy medium. Sending a promo, maybe twice a year, is appropriate for me, as well as emails with relevant new work samples. Too often photographers bombard editors with work that isn't necessarily their best stuff. I generally prefer quality over quantity.

How did you break into the high-end commercial photography market?

The industry is small and in New York it is very small. I am a pretty social guy and I love a good party. Believe it or not most of the first people I met, were through social settings - parties, bars, shows, that sort of thing. You'd be surprised how many deals and how much business is transacted in venues like this. At the end of the day, people make deals with people and there are a lot of great photographers out there. The people really want to have some sort of connection, or at least get along with the photographers they will hire.

Sarah Ackerman is known around PPA as #Sarah in part because she handles all things social media and in order to differentiate herself from the other Sarah's in the office. Sarah loves improv comedy (think "Whose Line") and routinely performs with WitPro around the Atlanta area and at Dad's Garage Theatre Company. When she's not tweeting/instagramming/facebooking all of the action at PPA, she can be found gallivanting around the world or wandering around the woods with her pup, but more than likely she's on stage making people giggle.

Carl is a seasoned natural light portrait photographer and has owned and operated his personal studio since 1995. If you are not aware of what an "Ask Me Anything" is, have no fear! These question and answer sessions are the perfect way to ask Imaging USA instructors literally anything you want. It's also your chance to have your voice heard amongst your peers!

What sets Carl apart and what made his AMA so interesting is his perspective on natural light and how it can take your images from mundane to awesome in a few simple steps. He also touches on pricing techniques and where he draws his inspiration. If you missed the full conversation you can check it out on theLoop.

Check out a few of our favorite moments with Carl:

On his favorite way to modify natural light:

"I like reflectors and try to carry one or two with me at all times. I do, however, enjoy locations that have great light with no need to make changes. It is in these locations, we can concentrate on the subject within the light more. Those are the magical places."

On choosing a location to shoot:

"I do, however, enjoy locations that have great light with no need to make changes. It is in these locations, we can concentrate on the subject within the light more."

On what inspires him:

"Where do I get inspiration? Watching people. Living life. Sharing with other photographers. Movies. Nature."

Ana Brandt, newborn and maternity photographer extraordinaire, stopped by theLoop this week for an AMA! Quickly becoming a fan favorite, PPA's AMA series allows photographers the chance to engage with Imaging USA speakers in conversation and literally ask them anything. Some of the topics covered in this AMA include Ana's origins in the industry, what inspires her, and how she manages to work with newborns so effectively. If you missed out on the full conversation, you can check out her full AMA on theLoop.

If you missed out on the live AMA it's all good! Here are a few of our favorite highlights:

1. "Once I pass the two hour mark, newborns start another cycle of feeding, pooping and peeing, which goes on to 3 hours, etc. etc."

2. "Growing up, my Mom used to come home with bags of things to make wreaths or other items. Time after time I would see her empty a craft bag of random things and whip out a handmade wreath or flower arrangement. Now I find myself doing the same thing."

3. "I love to create things I can't see. All too often we get wrapped up in our own expectations. The best inspiration is to release your own expectation and let the creativity flow."

So you're coming to Imaging USA? Awesome! (What? You haven't registered? Click here!) It's the best decision you'll make for your business, your creative juices, and just yourself all year! We're thrilled to be taking over the Gaylord Opryland Hotel & Convention Center in Nashville and wanted to share a few tips with you before we get onsite!

Have any tips for newbies? Head over to the Imaging USA community on theLoop to share! It's also a great place to find a roommate or a study buddy!

Attention all
Imaging USA attendees: In the spirit of the holidays, PPA Charities will
support the Dando

Amor Charity
and hold a shoe drive at Imaging USA this February in Nashville! There's no
better cure for those inevitable post-holiday blues than doing something to
give back to communities around the world.

Some of the logistics: Drop off
bins will be located by the convention floor and at registration. Shoes will be
collected at Imaging USA, and re-purposed for orphanages in South America and
Africa.

Are you looking for ways to be more charitable? This
is an opportunity to truly make a difference in people's lives. It seems small
in scope from where we sit--in front of computer monitors, on a staircase changing
a flash, in a car wading through rush hour traffic, but Dando Amor has a global
reach and will have a positive
effect on communities around the world. All it takes is five minutes and a
little bit of kindness to rummage through your closet and find old shoes that
you'll never use again.

Think of it
this way: If everyone brought one pair of shoes, we would have 10,000 pairs of shoes
to donate. That's an inspiring number and one that is totally attainable with
your help.